The Ghost Detective

Myron Vale sees dead people. As a private investigator in Portland, Oregon, he uses this ability to solve cases for both living clients and the deceased who seek closure. The Ghost Detective follows Vale as he takes on what appears to be a straightforward missing persons case. His investigation leads him through Portland's neighborhoods and into a complex web of secrets, forcing him to confront both earthly criminals and lingering spirits. Vale must navigate two realities simultaneously - the physical world of the living and the ethereal plane of ghosts - while wrestling with his own past trauma. His unique position as a bridge between these worlds makes him the only person who can uncover the truth. The novel explores themes of loss, redemption and the impact of unresolved business that keeps both the living and the dead tethered to their pain. Through Vale's supernatural lens, the story raises questions about what truly constitutes justice and closure.

Readers describe this book as lighter paranormal mystery, with many noting its blend of ghost story elements with detective work. Readers appreciated: - Casual, straightforward writing style - Humor mixed into serious moments - Portland, Oregon setting details - Fresh take on ghosts helping solve crimes - Good pacing and plot resolution Common criticisms: - Character development needed more depth - Some found it too "cozy" for a detective story - Romance subplot felt underdeveloped - A few readers wanted darker/grittier tone Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (300+ reviews) Representative review: "A quick, fun read even if the characters could use more complexity. The ghost angle adds an interesting twist to standard PI fare." - Goodreads reviewer Some readers noted it works better as a mystery than a supernatural story, with one Amazon reviewer stating: "More focused on investigation than ghostly elements, which may disappoint horror fans."

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🌟 Scott William Carter wrote this supernatural mystery novel while battling a serious illness, which he credits with giving him unique insights into writing about a character caught between life and death. 👻 The main character, Myron Vale, can see ghosts due to a bullet lodged in his brain—a concept inspired by real cases of brain injuries causing unusual perceptual changes. 🏛️ The novel is set in Portland, Oregon, and incorporates many actual historical locations and ghost stories from the city's past. 🔍 The author spent time interviewing real private investigators to accurately portray the procedural aspects of detective work, even though the protagonist deals with supernatural cases. 📚 The Ghost Detective is the first book in what became known as the Myron Vale Investigation series, with subsequent novels expanding the ghostly universe Carter created.